Queen’s staff from across Students Affairs were busy March 15 and 16 going door-to-door in the near-campus neighbourhood, safely connecting with students to raise awareness of measures in place leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, the latest information from public health, as well as summer employment, and wellness information.

The effort marks the third time this academic year that Queen’s staff have engaged directly with students living in nearby housing to highlight the need for everyone to continue following best practices for staying safe and healthy.

“We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback for these community outreach initiatives. We have been delighted to see how excited students are to chat with us, get their questions answered, and receive details about campus resources,” says Lindsay Winger, Assistant Dean, Support Services and Community Engagement. “The pandemic has been difficult for our entire campus community, and we are so grateful for the support to be able to connect safely with students through this engagement. Thank you to all the volunteers and campus partners who have made this a success.”

Students responded positively to the visits and conversations. Upper-year students were particularly interested in the resources offered by Career Services as they look for summer jobs, or take the first steps in post-university life.

“Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is important, but also can be extremely isolating. This is why it is important for the university to engage with students – which creates a personal connection,” says Jared den Otter, President of the Alma Mater Society. “I know these visits are appreciated while also being an important way to share information.”

With an increasing number of cases involving Variants of Concern (VOC), students are being encouraged to be tested even if they are not experiencing symptoms. The KHSC satellite COVID-19 assessment centre located in Mitchell Hall, is regularly open to test students from Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm, and will be running extended hours until 8:30 pm, now through March 19, inclusive. Appointments can be booked by calling Student Wellness Services at 613-533-2506. Evening appointments (4-8:30 pm) can also be booked online.

The off-campus visits were also an opportunity to share information about the Section 22 Order by KFL&A Public Health as a precautionary measure to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This order, currently in effect March 13-21, prohibits hosting or attending indoor or outdoor social gatherings with more than five people. The order, which in place city-wide, also includes several restrictions for businesses that serve alcohol.

For more information on Queen’s University’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for related resources, visit the Queen’s COVID-19 Information website.

Students who didn’t receive a visit can email caresupportservices@queensu.ca to receive the information that was distributed.